Khabib Nurmagomedov reveals new fight date for Islam Makhachev's next UFC title defence in Malaysia, maintains silence on opponent name
Khabib Nurmagomedov has given an update on Islam Makhachev's return timeline. As per him, we can look forward to seeing the UFC champion kick things off in the new year.
An X account called @Home_of_Fight made a recent tweet stating how Khabib mentioned this during a recent press conference in Malaysia.
Another tweet from the same source got into the more long-form details and the specifics of the quote from the former lightweight champion addressing the UFC's current kingpin at 155 pounds.
Another @Home_of_Fight tweet posted Nurmagomedov's statement, which read:
"UFC offered us a fight in January. We accepted it. UFC will make the announcement soon, including where it will take place and who Islam's opponent will be. I won't say anything about it myself, but I can say that we are focused on January."
Check out video footage of Khabib Nurmagomedov teasing Islam Makhachev's next fight below:
Khabib Nurmagomedov's title reign and Islam Makhachev's chance to usurp him
Khabib Nurmagomedov is tied for the most consecutive UFC lightweight title defenses of all time. But, the student can surpass the mentor in this regard for this mapped out next outing.
The 36-year-old has been out of the sport since October 2020 following his third consecutive title defense and growing his pro MMA record to 29-0. Khabib captured the vacant lightweight title over Al Iaquinta and defended the crown against Conor McGregor, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje.
The Dagestan native is tied with names like Benson Henderson, BJ Penn, and Frankie Edgar who completed three UFC lightweight title defenses.
Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev also has three consecutive defenses and the lightweight kingpin is eyeing his fourth straight in the coming months. He would look to achieve the feat against the former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira.
The most recent title fight for the Russian champion saw him submit Dustin Poirier at UFC 302.